Before you read. This article is not for self‑diagnosis and does not replace a professional evaluation.
You did not cause autism and you are not a “bad parent”. Our goal is to give you clear, research‑based signs and concrete questions to take to your child’s doctor, so you don’t stay alone with your worries.
The Newest and One of the Most Accurate Markers (2022–2025)
University of California, San Diego, Professor Karen Pierce's team
Tested on 1,863 toddlers around 2 years old (the largest study in the world).
A child watches two videos side by side for 1 minute:
- left — moving geometric shapes (like old screensavers)
- right — children dancing and playing
Typical children look at people 70–80% of the time.
One in five children with autism looks at geometry 90–100% of the time.
These children almost always have more severe symptoms and lower cognitive scores.
This marker is stable, objective, and works as early as 12–18 months.
It's now being used as a quick screening tool in US clinics.
Time-Tested "Classic" Signs Visible Before Age 2
(International guidelines: DSM-5, CDC, NICE 2025)
If at least 3–4 of these points match, it's already a serious reason to see a specialist now:
- By 12 months, doesn't respond to their name (even if hearing is tested and normal)
- Rarely makes eye contact with mom, dad, familiar people
- By 14–16 months, doesn't point "look there!" and doesn't bring toys to show
- Doesn't play "for real" (pretend play): doesn't feed a doll, doesn't push a toy car like a car, only spins wheels, lines things up in perfect rows, or sniffs/licks toys
- Repetitive movements for long periods: hand flapping, walking on tiptoes, spinning everything that spins, opening and closing doors
- Unusual reactions to sounds, light, clothing textures (covers their ears because of the vacuum cleaner or doesn't react to loud claps at all)
- Loss of skills: used to say a few words or point, then stopped
- Strong preference for geometry, patterns, wheels, or string lights instead of people (new marker from above)
What to Do If You See Matches
Don't wait until 3–4 years.
Get a diagnosis now — before age 3, the brain changes much faster, and every month saved means years of easier life later.
Where to go:
- a neurologist plus a clinical psychologist who works specifically with toddlers
- Early intervention centers (often free with insurance)
- Private centers that use ADOS-2 and eye tracking
Even if there's no diagnosis in the end, you'll simply rule out risks and have peace of mind.
And if there is, you'll start getting help during the golden window.
Save this list.
It's compiled from the most current scientific data of 2025 and helps thousands of families get support in time.